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UNIT TITLE: Introduction to Databases
CREDIT POINTS: 20
FHEQ LEVEL: 4
UNIT DESIGNATION: Traditional
UNIT CODE: SWD401
ACADEMIC SCHOOL: Media Arts and
Technology
Delivering School: Media Arts and
Technology
Date validated: March 2013
Date last modified: N/A
Unit delivery model: CD
Max & Min Student No: N/A
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD
Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal scheduled sessions for
the unit. Students are also expected to manage their directed learning and independent
study in support of the unit.
PRE-REQUISITES AND CO-REQUISITES: None
UNIT DESCRIPTION
Databases are at the heart of IT systems that we use all the time, for example mobile,
social media and cash machine networks. Furthermore, virtually all enterprises deploy
databases to underpin their business processes. In this unit students are introduced to the
skills and concepts required for developing a basic relational, SQL-based database
application solution and will apply them by using web-based, enterprise-level database
software tools. This provides a solid foundation for those progressing to the next unit in
the databases theme and/or those taking units involving web, internet or software
development elsewhere on their courses. The unit also provides a solid foundation to
those students who may wish to pursue optional professional certification to “SQL
Certified Expert” level alongside their course, an opportunity to significantly enhance
employability.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the unit, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1
Explain key elements of a basic database application and its development.
Cognitive Skills
C1
Analyse and evaluate elements of a database application within the context
provided by defined user requirements.
Practical and Professional Skills
P1
Apply enterprise-level database software tools in the design, development
implementation and testing of a SQL-based database application solution.
Transferable and Key Skills
T1
Write a structured, concise and referenced report of the process and product of
the database application development.
AREAS OF STUDY
Retrieving Data
Basic concepts of relational model
Interpretation of basic relational database models, entities and relationships
Database access in 2/3 tier architectures
Authenticated access to database tools and applications
SQL for queries including joins and grouping
Implementing Integrity
SQL to create tables including inserting/updating/deleting records
Primary and referential integrity for single column keys
Check constraints
Developing the Application
Implementation and deployment of a basic SQL-based application
Report and form development
Monitoring and Administering Databases
Overview of the DBMS and DBA
Monitoring of database usage
Deploying the Application
Deployment in a “production” from a “development” environment
Demonstration to peer student users
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
Teaching sessions are organised around ‘stages’ in the development of database
application reflecting the main areas of study above. This ensures that the areas of study
introduced in the unit are situated in a relevant context that reflects the practical
application of the concepts learned. It allows the learning outcomes to be achieved within
a “prepare – do – improve” iterative cycle for each stage which establishes independent
and activity-based learning at the heart of the student experience.
Preparation for each class involves reference to online digitised chapters, presentations
and other resources. Practical sessions then focus on practice activities designed to
establish key database concepts and design/implementation skills. These incorporate an
opportunity to discuss the key conceptual challenges and to identify the principle practical
outcomes of the exercise in whole-class discussion (using online presentations, models and
other resources). However, the sessions are run flexibly and allow differentiation as both
the discursive and activity-based elements of the session are adaptive to the specific
needs and requirements of ‘sub-groups’ of students. This is designed to accommodate the
diverse range of prior database skills, aspirations and learning styles of students on the
wide range of courses that this unit is delivered to.
The use of enterprise-level database software with user authentication also facilitates the
promotion and monitoring of engagement and the provision of formative feedback. This is
achieved primarily through an online, class-based “workspace” of “developer” students
and their applications. The environment also provides virtually limitless potential for the
aspirational student to further develop their skills. The tools and underlying databases are
also accessible off-campus.
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
As described above, the areas of study in this unit are delivered within the context of an
overarching database application development scenario. At the conclusion of each ‘stage’
students submit work based on the preparation, activities and reflection that they have
undertaken for the related classes. Called ‘draft development artefacts’, these diverse
types of work - which include code, diagrams and written pieces - are used as the basis for
regular formative feedback. This in turn informs the creation of the final assessment,
which consists of a report on the student’s experience and achievements across the whole
application development scenario.
Within this report the final versions of the
development artefacts serve as supporting documents. This offers the potential for the
student to show coherent and substantive evidence to an employer of application
development skills acquired.
ASSESSMENT
AE1
weighting:
assessment type:
length/duration:
online submission:
grade marking:
anonymous marking:
100%
Report
1500 words
artefacts)
Yes
Yes
No
(excluding
evidence
of
developed
Aggregation of marks
No departure from standard University regulations.
Re-assessment Arrangements
In case of referral students will be required to revise their original report in the light of
tutor feedback and resubmit.
Unit Author: Alastair Monger
Date of version: March 2013